Los Angeles residents can rest a bit easier when it comes to water conservation, thanks to a record-setting February. According to an announcement by Mayor Karen Bass, the City of Los Angeles Department of Water and Power (LADWP) caught a deluge, successfully harnessing over 13.5 billion gallons of stormwater during the month's historic rainfall. This hefty catch is a significant jump from the 8.4 billion gallons collected in February 2023, rounding out a win for both household water supplies and the environment.

Mayor Bass was enthusiastic about the progress, remarking, "The City of Los Angeles captured more than 13.5 billion gallons of stormwater during the historic February rainstorms." And added, "This is great news for the city and the region, as we continue to work with the Department of Water and Power to increase our capacity to capture, clean and conserve stormwater runoff." These efforts will supply nearly 165,000 homes with water for a year, an impressive feat given the precious nature of the resource in Southern California.

In a move that builds on the initiatives of prior mayors, Bass' leadership appears to be paying dividends in the city's crusade against climate change woes. A visit to the Donald C. Tillman Water Reclamation Plant in December 2023 showcased how far Los Angeles has come in terms of water conservation, electrification of transportation, and reducing emissions since Bass assumed office.

While this news serves as a standout moment for Bass' tenure, she's not resting on these laurels. Fresh off a trip from Paris, where she took part in discussions about fostering business development and learning from European models of housing and green infrastructure, she remains focused on the future, particularly Los Angeles' role as host of the 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games. According to the Mayor's Office, the stormwater capture achievements are crucial groundwork as the city gears up for the international spotlight.